As we enter the month of Thanksgiving, remember to make time and space to receive as well as to give. As we add holiday expectations to our already busy schedules, it is easy to get stressed out with the yang action of doing. Adding yin and restorative classes to your practice offers a wonderful opportunity to create time and space for yourself. And savasana, at the end of every class, provides an opportunity to receive the benefits of each practice.

When getting together with family and friends, practice receiving what they are saying–or not saying. Often, we jump ahead to our own response in our minds and are not present. In relationships, you can practice this method of intentional communication: establish one person as the sender and the other as the receiver. Set a time such as 3 or 5 minutes for the sender to “send.” The receiver must only listen during this time. When the time is up, the receiver tells the sender what he or she received or heard. Then swap roles. Setting intentional time for authentic communication is a wonderful way to clear up misunderstandings that can fuel stress this time of year.

November updates and special events:

• Monthly @the Museum classes. In November, we celebrate a year of practicing together at the The Downing Museum! Join us for one or both of our two monthly classes: with Cassandra for Yoga@the Museum on Sat., Nov. 11, or with Alice for Meditation@the Museum on Sat., Nov. 18. (Please note that, to avoid a conflict with Thanksgiving weekend, this month’s meditation class takes place on the third Saturday instead of the usual fourth Saturday.) To register for each class, click on the appropriate link: Yoga@the Museum or Meditation@the Museum.
• Chances to practice with Debbie Marquette. We are fortunate to have Debbie teaching at 4yoga during the first week of November; check out the attached schedule to see her classes this month!
• Thanksgiving mixed-level class at 9 a.m. on Thurs., Nov. 23. Join Cassandra for this traditional holiday class on Thanksgiving morning–all students are welcome at mixed-level classes.

For a full list of November activities, please see the calendar page or collect a hard copy at The Pots Place. We also post updates each morning on our Facebook page, should you find it convenient to keep up with us there.

Accessing studio after class has begun: Remember that even if the front door is locked when you arrive, you can still join us for class. Just come to the back door of The Pots Place (look for the blue building) and ring the buzzer. The teacher will then unlock the door remotely for you to enter through the pottery studio.